The Cohiba Robusto Reserva was launched in February 2018, at the annual Habanos festival in Havana, and was marked by special collaboration with the legendary Swiss watchmaker, Zenith. It was the Monday evening, opening gala event, and present was a watchmaker showcasing how the Zenith “Cohiba” watch is made. Watching him carefully place each jewel into place was quite impressive. Zenith, together with Habanos, have produced and released a handful of automatic watches using classic Zenith models like the “El Primero”, and the classic Zenith “Pilot” watch, each bearing the Cohiba logo and colors. And thus, the evening was dedicated to Cohiba.
The cigar in the spotlight was the one I am tasting today from the 2014 Cosecha. The Robusto size is perhaps one of the most popular sizes of cigars on the marketat the moment. However, the Cohiba Robusto is not quite the most popular of the Cohiba sizes, sailing behind the almighty Siglo VI, the Esplendido and the classic Lancero. That being said, the Cohiba Robusto remains a quality cigar. Anyone that has smoked an aged Cohiba Robusto can attest to that. This limited production Reserva is therefore quite promising.
ABOUT THE CIGAR – COHIBA RESERVA ROBUSTO, Cosecha 2014
BOX DATE: UAO JUL 19
SIZE: 50 x 4.88 inches.
FACTORY NAME: Robustos
1st Part
Lately I’ve been using the crown cut, but for this classic cigar, I chose to go with the classic straight cut. The first few puffs were typical of a Cohiba, which for me means a mild to medium body, with a floral taste. The cigar is enjoyable so far but has not knocked my socks off just yet.
2nd Part
The first third of the cigar was enjoyable despite not being able to pick up any specific distinctive flavors. Onto the second part now and I’m getting some burnt roasted almonds. The intensity level has definitely picked up.
Any Reserva or Gran Reserva cigar should be in theory, extremely well rolled. This is the case here as the Robusto is a very well-constructed cigar. It is burning very evenly and at a steady pace, as you would expect from Cohiba.
3rd Part
The cigar has definitely evolved. The beginning was milder and I did not pick up too many distinctive flavors. The second part began to taste a bit of roasted almonds. As we move towards the end, it continues to build up. Tasting some nuts, however not much of those floral aromatics you typically get with a Cohiba.
SUMMARY
I believe a few more years would benefit the cigar, as I expected a little bit more on the evolution part. If you have the luxury of owning a box, I would recommend having one now and then enjoying them slowly as the years pass. These cigars will age beautifully, and you can experience them as they age and evolve over time.
SCORE
Construction: 10 on 10.
Flavor: 8 on 10.
Evolution: 7 on 10.
Overall: A solid 8.5 on 10.
PAIRING SUGGESTION:
Beer – I would suggest something Amber, why not an Innis and Gunn Scottish ale. A Dos Equis from Mexico would also pair nicely with this Cohiba.
Single Malt Whisky – one that would pair nicely with this in my opinion would be the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban aged in Port barrels for 12 years.
A high-quality vermouth would also pair very nicely as the sweetness of the vermouth would complement the nuttiness of this cigar. The one I have in mind is “Vermouth del Professore”.
